I always thought of myself as a bold and courageous person, willing to take risks and break away from the norm. So when I made the decision to take a career break on the cusp of my 30th birthday, I felt like I was making a bold move. Little did I know, I was actually following a growing trend. According to Gusto, an HR platform, sabbaticals are on the rise. And it’s not just me, the most likely Sabbatarians are between the ages of 27 and 34 and are more likely to be women.
I have always been a hard worker, constantly striving for success and climbing the corporate ladder. But as my 30th birthday approached, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of burnout. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically, and I knew I needed a break. So I made the decision to take a career break, much to the surprise of my colleagues and friends.
At first, I was worried about how this decision would affect my career. Would I fall behind my peers? Would I be seen as lazy or unmotivated? But as I started to research and plan my break, I realized that I was not alone. In fact, more and more people are taking career breaks to recharge, refocus, and pursue their passions.
So what can you learn from my career break? Here are a few key takeaways that I hope will inspire you to take a break and invest in yourself.
1. It’s okay to take a break
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, we often feel the pressure to constantly be on the go and achieve more. But the truth is, we all need a break from time to time. Taking a career break does not mean you are giving up or being lazy. It means you are prioritizing your well-being and investing in your personal growth.
2. A break can lead to new opportunities
During my career break, I had the time and space to explore my interests and passions. I took classes, traveled, and volunteered. And through these experiences, I discovered new skills and interests that I never knew I had. This break allowed me to broaden my perspective and open up new opportunities that I would have never considered before.
3. It’s a chance to recharge and refocus
We all have moments when we feel stuck in our careers or unsure of our next steps. A career break can be the perfect opportunity to step back and reassess your goals and priorities. It’s a chance to recharge and come back with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
4. You can learn valuable life skills
During my break, I learned how to manage my time, budget my finances, and take care of my mental and physical health. These are all important life skills that are often overlooked in our busy work lives. Taking a break allowed me to focus on these areas and develop skills that have been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
5. It’s not a setback, it’s a growth opportunity
Many people see taking a career break as a setback in their career. But in reality, it can be a powerful growth opportunity. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, learn new things, and gain a fresh perspective. And when you do return to work, you will bring back a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will make you a more well-rounded and valuable employee.
In conclusion, my career break was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It allowed me to recharge, refocus, and discover new passions and skills. And I am not alone in this experience. Sabbaticals are on the rise and more and more people are realizing the benefits of taking a break from their careers. So if you are feeling burnt out or in need of a change, don’t be afraid to take a break and invest in yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it.